Enhancing Your Chances of Getting into IISER Despite Lower Initial Scores
Many students face the uncertainty of not securing admission in the initial rounds of IISER (Institute of Indian Science Education and Research). If you're one of those who scored below the cut-off in your first attempt, particularly in the OBC category, you might be wondering about your prospects in the later rounds. This article aims to provide insights and strategies to enhance your chances of getting into IISER, especially if you didn't get selected in the first 70 marks OBC category.
Understanding the IISER Admission Process
The IISER admission process is designed to accommodate a wide range of scores and candidates. It involves multiple rounds of counseling, each with a unique set of candidates, waiting lists, and eventual matchings. Here, you'll explore what happens if you miss out in the first round and how your chances improve in subsequent rounds.
Waiting List and Floating Option
It's important to understand the concept of the waiting list and floating option in the IISER admission process. After the initial round of counseling, there is typically a waiting list that includes candidates who didn't get their first choice or any choice. During later rounds, candidates from this list may get matched with available positions, while some candidates on the waiting list may move out as they accept or reject their offers.
Personal Experience: Going Through the Rounds
I can relate to your situation as I've gone through a similar phase last year. With a score of around 72, I continued with the second round of counseling, but ultimately decided to take a gap year. Despite not securing the admission, the experience taught me valuable lessons. This year, my score improved to around 96, and I am now preparing for the final round with high hopes.
According to my experience, the IISER system is designed to ensure that qualified candidates have a second chance. Many candidates who initially didn't get their first choice manage to secure a spot in the later rounds, often due to the flexibility offered by the waiting list and floating option.
Strategies to Enhance Your Chances in Later Rounds
Stay Patient and Cool
One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to remain patient and calm throughout the admissions process. Many candidates who initially scored poorly in the first round end up getting admitted in the later rounds. The counseling process can be long and uncertain, but staying composed can help you make better decisions when it comes time to accept or reject offers.
Stay Updated with Counseling Dates and Announcements
Keep a close eye on the official website and other reliable sources for updates on counseling rounds, waiting lists, and other important announcements. This will help you stay informed and make timely decisions regarding your admission.
Consider a Gap Year
As my experience suggests, taking a gap year can be beneficial. It allows you to strengthen your skills, explore different opportunities, and possibly improve your score in the next round. Many exceptional candidates who held multiple places like IITs, AIIMS, NITs, and NEET successfully used their gap year to enhance their profile and improve their chances in the subsequent rounds.
Conclusion
Your chance of getting into IISER, even with a lower score in the first round, is still quite good. The system is designed to accommodate a diverse range of candidates, and the flexibility offered by the waiting list and floating option can significantly improve your chances. With patience, strategic planning, and a positive mindset, you can enhance your prospects of securing a spot in IISER.
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